Debbie Neustadt's comments: I got a call from a "Gobal Trade" organization urging me to make a call. When I pressed and asked who was a target they mentioned Boswell. I know that he has voted with us before. I don't know if there is some reason to assume he won't be with us again or if they just want to make sure. This was a memo posted on another club listserve that I recieved by way of a Genetic Engineering activist. Sierra Club Responsible Trade Program Urgent Action Alert Oct. 12, 2001 Stop Anti-Environmental Fast-Track Bill House Ways and Means Committee Chair Bill Thomas (R-CA) is STILL trying to use the crisis created by terrorist attacks on our country to ram through Congress a divisive, environmentally-destructive fast-track trade bill. The Ways and Means committee approved his fast track bill on Tuesday, opening the door for a floor vote in coming weeks. But only two Democrats supported his legislation, making it the most divisive trade legislation ever to emerge from the Ways and Means Committee. Meanwhile Reps. Levin (D-MI) and Rangel (D-NY) offered a fast track alternative that enhances Congress's oversight role and provides stronger negotiating objectives on labor and environment. TAKE URGENT ACTION Call or write your US Representative today. Dial 1-800-393-1082 (courtesy of the AFL-CIO). Ask for your Rep's office and then the "trade legislative assistant." For more information, see www.sierraclub.org/trader contact [log in to unmask] TALKING POINTS House Ways and Means Chair Bill Thomas (R-CA) is trying to use the crisis created by terrorist attacks on our country to ram through Congress a divisive, environmentally-destructive fast-track trade bill. Thomas' bill will only distract Congress from the urgent need to make our country safe from terrorist attacks and to quickly turn around our economy. The Thomas fast-track bill is bad for the environment. It would expand controversial "investor" rules that have empowered foreign corporations to sue over our environmental laws. And it denies Congress an effective decision-making role in shaping future trade deals that can profoundly affect our quality of life. Congress can't possibly make good decisions about complicated trade policies in the present climate. Thomas should postpone action on fast track until such time as we can have a thoughtful, deliberate debate on these critically important issues. COMMENT: As I said yesterday, our best strategy at this point -- and eminently possible -- is to run out the clock. The fact that NAFTA would allow corporations to further exploit unfair labor practices is why the AFL-CIO is donated the toll-free phone line. The combination of labor plus environmentalists was potent at Seattle and still is. Tell your Rep that you'd like his/her position in writing. Say that you believe that "defense of the homeland" must include fighting for fair labor practices and protection of the environment -- these are issues which affect the quality of life of us all. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT to [log in to unmask]